Dimorphotheca ecklonis
Vanstaden's river daisy · Blue-and-white daisy-bush · Bedding marigold · Van Staden's daisy · African daisy
Description
Source: leafsnapDimorphotheca ecklonis, also known as Cape marguerite, Van Staden's river daisy, Sundays river daisy, white daisy bush, blue-and-white daisy bush, star of the veldt is an ornamental plant that is native to South Africa. It is now regarded as a weed in parts of Australia, particularly Victoria and Western Australia.
🌳 Although it resembles an ordinary daisy, cape marguerite hides a surprising secret. Native to Africa, it is used in the cleaning sector. Extracts from cape marguerite are included in environmentally friendly cleaning products because of the plant's powerful natural cleansing properties, illustrating nature's ability to provide sophisticated solutions. This seemingly common plant is transforming the detergent market through its sustainable contribution.
🎭 Stillness, purity, naivety
Care Guide
💧 Water
☀️ Light Full sun
The cape marguerite grows most vigorously with ample sunlight, which supports its strong development. While it tolerates shadier locations, it gains the most vigor from plentiful sun. Its native occurrence in bright environments explains this preference. Excessive sun can cause stress, whereas insufficient light can limit flowering and growth.
🌡️ Temperature 15–37.8°C
Cape marguerite prospers in its native habitat when specific temperature conditions are met. It favors temperatures ranging from 15 to 38 °C (59 to 100.4 °F). As a temperate woody plant, it adjusts well to different climates. Temperature modifications may be needed across seasons. Protecting it from extreme cold and ensuring good ventilation in cooler periods, while providing shade and sufficient watering during hotter months, supports its optimal growth and vigor.
💨 Humidity
🪴 Soil 5-6
🌱 Fertilizer
The best time to fertilize a Cape marguerite is in early spring, as it comes out of dormancy and starts active growth. Fertilizing supplies essential nutrients for healthy development. Although Cape marguerite requires relatively little feeding, applying fertilizer annually can improve its survival and encourage better, longer-lasting blooms.
🪴 Pot & Repot 2-3 years
When repotting Cape marguerite, select a pot 1-2 inches (2.5–5.1 cm) larger with ample drainage. Use a well-draining potting mix. Repot in spring or fall, ensuring the root ball is slightly lower than the rim of the flower pot. Water thoroughly after repotting and place in a warm spot with indirect sunlight.
✂️ Pruning
🌿 Propagating
🐛 Diseases & pets
☠️ Toxicity
Characteristics
- Plant Type
- Herb
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Genus
- Dimorphotheca
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 7-11
- Mature Height
- 0.2 m to 1.52 m
- Mature Spread
- 0.61 m to 1.22 m
- Leaf Color
- Green, Silver
- Leaf Type
- Evergreen, Deciduous
- Flower Color
- White, Purple
- Flower Size
- 5.08 cm to 10.16 cm
- Bloom Time
- Mid spring, Late spring, Summer, Early fall
- Planting Time
- Spring
- Harvest Time
- Late spring, Summer, Fall
- Native Area
- South Africa